Hebrews 12:5-11

Suffering Can Be a Form of Discipline

There is a hint the Hebrews were slowing in their fight or race and had forgotten the exhortations of their childhood. The author quoted Proverbs 3:11-12 as an exhortation, reminding the Hebrews God was not angry with them. Instead, He was showing His love by "chastening" them. That is, He corrects and disciplines, as one would a child, in order to help educate them. Without such chastening, the Christian would not know God loved him. Discipline helps the Christian to grow up in the right way (Hebrews 12:5-6; Revelation 3:19).

The child that goes without discipline knows he is really not God's child. Rather, he would be an illegitimate child, whose education is often neglected. The writer emphasized that discipline is a part of true sonship. Without it one would be a spiritually illegitimate child, which would be a disgrace. So, instead of murmuring because of chastisement, Hebrew brethren should have been happy (Hebrews 12:7-8).

The penalty for disobedience to parents under the law was death (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Parents were to be held in a position of respect and honor (Exodus 20:12). Yet, it was their job to chasten the child so that it might be properly educated. The Hebrews had obeyed these fleshly parents, who could make mistakes. So, the writer reasonably expected them to obey God, who is perfect and able to rule in a perfect way. Earthly parents only correct for a short time then leave the grown child to go his own way, making his own mistakes. Yet, God stays with His children, constantly guiding them so they might one day reach an eternal reward. Of course, no one enjoys discipline when it is being given, but it is intended to bring forth good fruit. However, this good fruit only comes if the person who is disciplined lives by the law that is established through the discipline (Hebrews 12:9-11).